SoftBank Announces €75 Billion AI Data Center Investment in France

SoftBank Group has committed to invest up to €75 billion to develop 5 GW of AI data center capacity in France, with an initial €45 billion allocated for 3.1 GW in the Hauts-de-France region by 2031. This investment is part of the 2026 Choose France summit and aims to enhance France's AI infrastructure and technological sovereignty. The project will include data centers in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, and will be developed in partnership with Schneider Electric and other strategic partners. Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, emphasized the importance of building infrastructure for the future of AI technology. The investment reflects France's ambitions to become a leading AI hub in Europe, leveraging its skilled workforce and reliable energy sources. The announcement was made on May 30, 2026, ahead of a formal announcement scheduled for May 31, 2026.

Key Points: • SoftBank plans to invest €75 billion in AI data centers in France. • The initial phase involves building 3.1 GW of capacity by 2031. • Partnerships with Schneider Electric and EDF are key to the project.